Insect herbivores are among the most abundant and diverse groups of animals in terrestrial ecosystems, and engage in complex interactions with their natural enemies, host plants, and microbial symbionts. I develop an experimental community ecology program to study these interactions and to understand the ecological processes that shape plant-based terrestrial ecosystems. I study these interactions to provide fundamental ecological knowledge, but also to help manage species that have a negative impact on agricultural or forest ecosystems. As herbivores I work with a variety of systems including aphids, spider-mites and thrips.